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How to Care for Dental Implants

For millions of patients through the country who have lost one or more teeth, dental implants are an effective and attractive alternative to dentures. Dental implants are a popular choice by patients because they look and perform like natural teeth, which is something that dentures can’t proclaim. Additionally, unlike dentures, dental implants are permanently integrated into the mouth by being anchored into the jawbone with screws. Like being fitted for dentures, the fitting procedure and time period for dental implants can be a bit long and involved, but dental patients typically agree that the wait is well worth it. Whether you’re considering dental implants, or you’ve already had your implant procedure performed by a quality dentist in Clearwater, it’s important to know how to properly care for your implants in order to keep them looking and functioning optimally.

Post-surgical care

Naturally, your dentist will give you specific instructions on how to care for your dental implants, especially in the days following surgery. It’s nice, though, to know ahead of time what to expect from your implants and what you’ll need to do. Fitting and placement of your dental implants will take several visits to achieve. Once they are in, they will begin to grow into the jawbone. For the first several days following your surgical procedure, your dentist likely will inform you not to brush your dental implants because your mouth will be sensitive at that point. You may experience some symptoms, which can include discomfort, swelling, bruising, or bleeding. (Inform your dentist if you’re having pain, for which you may be prescribed medications or advised to use over-the-counter pain killers.) You also likely will be advised to limit your diet to soft foods for a period of time. At this stage, you may also be provided with a special mouthwash to use.

Daily care

During this phase of your dental implant procedure, quality dentists will advise patients to begin caring for their teeth just as though they are natural teeth. Routine twice-daily brushing as well as routine flossing is encouraged in order to maintain optimal function and appearance of dental implants and maximum oral health. With your new dental implants, you will also be counseled to be more selective in your diet, avoiding foods that are sticky and chewy, as these can damage your beautiful new teeth. You should also avoid foods that contain caffeine such as coffee and chocolate, and avoid smoking, as these can stain your implants just as they can natural teeth.

Regular dental visits

Routine visits to your family dentist are vital in order to maintain optimal dental implant performance. As with natural teeth, it’s important to schedule regular dental visits twice a year in order to monitor oral health properly. Some family dentists will even recommend that patients with dental implants schedule cleanings every three or four months rather than every six months. Additionally, routine maintenance of dental implants may include x-rays along with extra cleanings and exams to keep them in top form. Dental implants are designed to last longer than dentures, sometimes up to several decades. However, patients who neglect their dental implants likely will not get the kind of endurance out of them that they’re meant to experience. The fact is that, just as natural teeth will encounter wear and tear from everyday use, so too will dental implants see the same kind of wear. But if you care properly for your implants, they may even last the rest of your life.

Dental implants are a godsend to many people in throughout the country. In fact, millions of patients opt for dental implants every year in order to restore their ability to eat comfortably, speak properly, and enjoy life with optimal confidence. Dental implants are an attractive and effective alternative to dentures that can last the rest of your life, but only if you maintain a regular oral hygiene routine. Like natural teeth, dental implants need routine cleaning, flossing, and dental visits. For more information about how dental implants can change your appearance and your life, contact a quality dentist in your Clearwater area to schedule a consultation.